Princess Diaries 3 is Coming! What The Modern Couple Can Learn About Love, Boundaries, and Staying True to Ourselves
Written By : Alea DiGirolamo, LCSW
The wait is over! Princess Diaries 3 is officially happening, and while many of us remember watching Mia Thermopolis’ awkward transition from everyday teen to royal princess, there’s something more to take from these films—especially for today’s couples. Beyond the royal romance, The Princess Diaries gives us a chance to reflect on the balance between love, boundaries, and staying true to yourself within a relationship.
A Royal Romance in the Real World
Throughout The Princess Diaries movies, Mia’s journey is relatable because it’s not just about crowns and castles—it’s about navigating the complexities of love and self-identity. In the first film, Mia faces the same relationship challenges many of us have experienced: crushes that go nowhere, dating the wrong person, and the struggle to know when to stand up for herself. In the second movie, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, the stakes are even higher as Mia is pressured into an arranged marriage.
But here’s where Mia stands out—she doesn’t settle. She doesn’t give up her dreams or her values for the sake of “fitting in” with the royal expectations placed on her. Instead, Mia teaches us an important lesson: love should enhance your life, not demand that you sacrifice who you are.
Boundaries: The Foundation of Healthy Relationships
In the context of modern relationships, this is a lesson we can all take to heart. In romantic relationships, we often walk the fine line between loving someone fully and losing ourselves in that process. What Mia’s story shows us is that having healthy boundaries is essential—whether you’re dating, newly married, or in a long-term relationship.
Boundaries aren’t about creating distance or pushing your partner away; they’re about protecting your sense of self. They allow us to maintain our individuality, even in a deeply connected relationship. Mia demonstrates that staying true to yourself doesn’t mean you’re rejecting love—it means you’re creating the space for a love that respects who you are.
For modern couples, this is critical. We live in a time where relationships are evolving, and expectations are shifting. Partners expect emotional support, mutual growth, and shared goals. To meet these expectations without feeling overwhelmed or compromised, boundaries are necessary.
Love Without Sacrifice: Mia’s Message to Modern Couples
In The Princess Diaries 2, Mia faces immense pressure to marry for duty. While that’s not something most of us will experience (unless you’re secretly royalty!), it’s symbolic of the pressures couples often face—from family expectations to societal norms. Mia’s decision to wait for a love that doesn’t require her to give up her dreams is powerful and speaks directly to the heart of many modern couples today.
How often have you felt the need to change or adjust for your partner? How often have you stayed silent to avoid conflict or let go of something important to maintain harmony in your relationship? Mia’s story reminds us that love isn’t about making ourselves smaller—it’s about finding someone who supports our growth.
How to Maintain Boundaries and Your Identity as a Couple
As a couples therapist who watches rom-coms with one question in mind, what is the message this movie is giving to the modern couple? - I found Mia taught us the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you’ve been together for a few months or years, the challenges of balancing love and individuality can emerge at any stage. Here are some lessons we can draw from Mia’s story that you can apply in your relationship today:
Communicate openly about your needs: Don’t shy away from sharing your goals and desires with your partner. Whether it’s career ambitions, personal hobbies, or emotional boundaries, make sure your partner knows what’s important to you.
Set and respect boundaries: Establish what’s okay and what’s not in your relationship. This can range from how much alone time each person needs to respecting each other’s personal values and goals. Healthy boundaries allow both partners to feel secure and respected.
Encourage each other’s growth: Just like Mia sought love that supported her identity, couples should uplift one another. Celebrate each other’s wins, personal achievements, and individual growth, recognizing that a healthy relationship strengthens both partners.
Avoid the pressure to conform: Like Mia, who resisted the pressure to marry for the sake of tradition, modern couples can benefit from letting go of external pressures. Whether it’s from family, friends, or society, remember that your relationship should evolve in a way that feels right for you, not according to someone else’s or societal expectations.
The Return of The Princess Diaries and the Power of Modern Love
With Princess Diaries 3 on the horizon, we’re not just revisiting the world of Genovia—we’re reminded of the ongoing journey every couple takes. Love is a partnership that thrives on mutual respect, clear boundaries, and the understanding that your individuality is a gift to the relationship, not a sacrifice.
So, whether you’re watching the new movie with your partner or reflecting on your relationship, take a moment to think about how you can maintain your own crown. After all, true love isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about being fully seen, fully loved, and fully supported for who you are.
Feeling like you and your partner could use some guidance on setting boundaries or strengthening your relationship? Reach out to one of our experienced therapists at ATD Therapy. Our team specializes in helping couples build strong, balanced connections that respect individuality while fostering deeper emotional intimacy. Contact us today to take the next step in creating a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
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At our therapy practice located in New York, our compassionate therapists provide an array of services to cater to diverse needs. In addition to helping with therapy for men, our counseling offerings include couples counseling, counseling for relationships and dating, support for postpartum depression, anxiety management, depression counseling, assistance with life transitions, and enhancing self-esteem.
